Author: marklongmainstream (Page 95 of 174)

Isle Royale National Park

Explore a rugged, isolated island, far from the sights and sounds of civilization. Surrounded by Lake Superior, Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists and scuba divers. Here, amid stunning scenic beauty, you’ll find opportunities for reflection and discovery, and make memories that last a lifetime. Isle Royale National Park is a remote island cluster in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s border with Canada. It’s a car-free wilderness of forests, lakes and waterways, where moose and wolves roam. The Greenstone Ridge Trail links the Windigo Harbor in the west and Rock Harbor in the east. The 19th-century Rock Harbor Lighthouse has a small museum. Dive sites in the lake include several shipwrecks.  For more information, click here.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

This picture is owned by Brook Ward

Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 50,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines. The centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls. The Upper Falls is one the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across.  Four miles downstream is the Lower Falls, a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island. Although not as dramatic as the Upper Falls, they are equally magnificent. The park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities. During the spring and summer, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, nature study and photography are popular activities. Fall colors provide a beautiful picturesque view of the park. In addition, hunters will find ample opportunities to pursue their sport. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located at 41382 West M-123, Paradise, MI. For more information, click here.

Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area

The Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.  The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines.  Sylvania’s abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife. For more information, click here.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Jim Ivory Photography

At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park and one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. It’s home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas.  The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds (with an accessible viewing area), the scenic Presque Isle River corridor. Other attractions include the Summit Peak observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, an 18-hole disc golf course and much more. For more information, click here.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Unlike any other place on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks offers the opportunity to explore miles of pristine beaches, hike nearly 100 miles of trails, view towering sandstone cliffs, and experience the serenity of northern woodlands. Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park’s coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound. For more information, click here.

Seven Oaks Recreation Ski Resort

Seven Oaks Recreation is a family-owned and operated year-round outdoor recreation facility. Seven Oaks offers guests a wide range of fun activities including, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. In the summer, guests can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, river tubing, paintball, and camping. The slopes consist of 11 runs, from beginner to expert, so no matter your skill level, your sure to find what your looking for at Seven Oaks. The ski resort also has a terrain park, rail yard, and a beginner area. Seven Oaks Recreation is located at 1086 222nd Drive Boone. For more information, click here.

Sky Tours Zipline Course

Sky Tours has 9 amazing lines, that will take you 70 feet above ground, on zip lines as long as 1,000 feet. During the tour, you will fly over the beautiful and historical Union Park. The views from above are magical! As you fly through the air, you will have a 360-degree view of Horseshoe Hollow as well as the ancient ruins that lie below. Sky Tours is a guided tour with two guides with every group. These guides are highly trained and certified in zipline safety, with countless hours spent going over the course and equipment. Sky Tours can be found within the YMCA Union Park Camp at 11764 John F Kennedy road in Dubuque. For more information, click here.

Monticello Canoe Rental

Monticello Canoe Rental is a family-owned, and operated business. This canoe rental has been in business for over 30 years. Monticello Canoe Rental is located on the Maquoketa River, in Monticello Iowa. Whether your interests are canoeing, kayaking, or tubing, the Maquoketa River is the perfect location to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Your float begins at the canoe rental office, located below the Mon-Maq Dam, and continues down river to beautiful Pictured Rocks Park.  For more information, click here.

Climb Iowa

Climb Iowa Is Iowa’s largest indoor climbing and training facility. With more then 10,000 square feet of climbing, 200 different routes, a fitness room, and a yoga studio. There is literally something for everyone regardless of skill level. There are also two adult beginner classes, for climbers who are new to the sport of climbing. Climb Iowa is located at, 3605 SE Miehe Drive in Grimes. For more information, click here.

Crystal Lake Cave

The cave system has been described as an underground labyrinth of wondrous mineral formations. With every step you take through the cave you will see a wide range of pristine stalagmites, helictites, and rare anthodites. Crystal Lake Cave offers two amazing tours, through this underground wonderland. With two different tours to choose from, and a beautiful sheltered picnic area, Crystal Lake Cave is the perfect destination for your next family Adventure! The cave opens in May and closes again in mid October. Crystal Lake Cave is located at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd in Dubuque. For more information, click here.

The Knights Templar were a Catholic military order that was active just under 1,000 years ago. With their white mantles and red crosses, they quickly became notorious for their wealth, power, and abilities in combat during the Crusades. Today, they’re a source of fascination for archaeologists, novelists, and scriptwriters in equal measure, and any new discovery is pounced upon by anyone with a mote of curiosity in their storied history.

A few years back, a man-made cavern was discovered hiding beneath a farmer’s field in Shropshire, England. Initially, the only way into the concealed chamber was through a tiny rabbit hole, and, after some careful excavation, explorers found that they were standing in a previously unseen temple used by the Knights themselves.

Birmingham photographer Michael Scott decided to pay a visit to these mysterious caverns recently and document them in all their ancient glory on his camera, and it’s safe to say that this particular historical wonder is certainly a surreal sight to behold. You can see a walk-through of the cavern and church in the video below.

Stunningly well-preserved 700 years after they were originally carved out of the land, the order likely used this earthen temple as a place to hide, plot, worship, and scheme away from prying eyes.

The shape of the subterranean hideaway is rather specific, with circular naves prominently featured. This is thought to be because the Knights wanted their architecture to match that of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the supposed burial place of Jesus Christ.

The caves were closed in 2012 after people, being generally quite terrible, covered some of the temple in graffiti and dumped a load of garbage down through the entrance. With special permission, however, some people are still allowed in to explore them.

This is just one of many uncovered Knights Templar sites around the world. Fortifications and artifacts can be found all across Europe and the Middle East, particular around the so-called “Holy Land”.

After Christian military forces were pushed back out of this hallowed region, support for the order began to wane. By the time France’s King Philip IV took power, the royal family was deeply indebted to the failing order, and rumors began to spread about them that sowed the seeds of distrust in the public.

With general opinion turning against them, the King order their arrest and torture in 1307. Using false confessions and presenting them to Pope Clement V as evidence of their treachery, the Knights Templar was finally disbanded in 1312 – and they’ve become a somewhat legendary and conspiratorial organization ever since.

Grahams Island State Park

Grahams Island State Park is located on the ever-changing shores of Devils Lake. This hidden treasure is heavily wooded and surrounded by miles of lake shore.  Campers will enjoy the large shaded campsites, in one of the only non-seasonal campgrounds in the area. The unique landscape of the lake makes it a hot spot for world-class fishing. The park hosts numerous national and regional fishing tournaments during the year. Grahams Island caters to anglers with an array of resources including a bait shop, a four-lane boat ramp and a fish cleaning station. Visitors can enjoy a day on the lake, take a stroll on the hiking trails, swimming at the beach or hang out at the visitors center. In the winter, visitors can explore over three miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, explore the park on snowshoes and have excellent access to the lake for ice fishing activities. The Sivert Thompson Activity Center is nestled beneath the oak trees with beautiful views of the lake. This secluded section of the park is a picture-perfect backdrop for any event year-round. Two picnic shelters are also available for rent. For more information, click here.

Little Missouri State Park

Located in Western North Dakota, Little Missouri State Park is a quiet oasis. This park is home to over 45 miles of trails that run through the picturesque North Dakota Badlands. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the waterways rolling through the rugged landscape of the badlands. This quiet park is a perfect place to explore the North Dakota backcountry and experience what it truly means to unplug. Campers can enjoy both modern and primitive campsites. This park is equipped with horse amenities including corrals and a round pen. Little Missouri State Park is open seasonally from May to October. For more information, click here.

Lewis and Clark State Park

Lewis and Clark State Park is situated on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. The park features miles of shoreline with picturesque views of towering buttes and rolling hills that provide a rugged backdrop for the park.  Modern boating facilities, including a marina with slip rentals and boat ramps, are major attractions. Anglers will find excellent fishing for walleye, sauger and northern pike.  Lewis and Clark State Park is home to the largest native mixed-grass prairie of any North Dakota State Park. Visitors can become acquainted with the natural communities associated with the park by hiking a self-guided nature trail.  Visitors can also enjoy the swimming area and a day-use beach located along the east shore of the campground near the camping cabins. Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and snowshoes are available for rent. For more information, click here.

Lake Metigoshe State Park

Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes within the park provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and birding. Visitors can enjoy over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with a three-mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail. The unique woodlands and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota. Plant and bird checklists are available at the park office. During the winter, visitors can spend their day cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, riding a fat tire bike, and ice fishing. A portion of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail is also found within the park. The park is home to the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center, which offers hands-on programming related to history, nature, and recreation. With a multitude of year-round facilities, Lake Metigoshe is an ideal location for special events. For more information, click here.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

NPS photo by Laura Thomas

Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies in western North Dakota, where the Great Plains meet the rugged Badlands. A habitat for bison, elk and prairie dogs, the sprawling park has 3 sections linked by the Little Missouri River. The park is known for the South Unit’s colorful Painted Canyon and the Maltese Cross Cabin, where President Roosevelt once lived. The Scenic Loop Drive winds past several overlooks and trails. The park is a great place for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and horse-back riding. For more information, click here.

Giant Gonzalez

This monster made his WWE debut at the 1993 Royal Rumble, with an unforgettable appearance, eliminating the Undertaker in dramatic fashion. Giant Gonzalez was a product of the famed WCW Power Plant, and had a billed height of 8 foot tall and a billed weight of 460 lbs. His stay in the WWE was very short leaving the promotion shortly after Summerslam 1993. He participated in Wrestlemania IX and nearly defeated the Undertaker. The two rematched at Summerslam in a Rest In Peace Match, with the Undertaker claiming victory in both contests. Giant Gonzalez died September 22, 2010, in his hometown of San Martin, Argentina at the age of 44.

Zeus

The Human Wrecking Machine, as he was often called made his debut on Saturday Nights Main Event in 1989, seeking revenge against Hulk Hogan who accidentally broke his nose while filming the movie No Holds Barred. The 6 foot 5 300 lb monster teamed up with former WWF Champion, Randy Savage to battle Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake. During his short WWF run, Zeus seemed unstoppable, taking Hogan’s best shots, including steel chairs to the back. But Zeus just smiled and kept on coming. Zeus competed in the 1989 Survivor Series and the 89 Summer Slam before leaving the WWF after being defeated by Hogan in a December cage match. Zeus passed away on December 10th, 2020 at the age of 62.

The Great Khali

Khali made his WWE debut on April 7th 2006, attacking the Undertaker on an episode of Smakedown. On July 20th, 2007 Khali won a twenty man battle royal to claim the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. During his time in WWE The Great Khali had quality wins over WWE champions, The Undertaker, Batista, and Rey Mysterio. Khali made sporadic appearances with the WWE all the way till 2018, where he made his final appearance with WWE at the annual Royal Rumble. The Great Khali stood an impressive 7 foot 1 inch and weighed 346 lbs, he is currently 49 years old.

Vader

Big Van Vader was a 12x World Heavyweight Champion, he performed for WCW, WWF, WWE, New Japan, and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Vader is often regarded as one of the greatest super heavyweights of all time.  Vader was known for working stiff, and had an impressive array of aerial maneuvers. His diving moonsault was named Best Wrestling Maneuver of 1993. Throughout his career, he feuded with some of the biggest names in the business. Including Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Sting, and Hulk Hogan. Vader wrestled from 1985 to 2012, and passed away in 2018 at the age of 63.

The Undertaker

The Undertaker is one of the most iconic monster’s in pro wrestling history. He first debuted at the 1990 Survivor Series, wreaking havoc on Dusty Rhodes dream team. He later went on to feud with the biggest names in the sports history, including: The Ultimate Warrior, Shawn Michael’s, Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin. The Undertaker also carried a Wrestlemania win streak that may never be broken. He was a perfect 21-0 from Wrestlemania VII to Mania #30. The Undertaker stood an intimidating 6 foot 10 inches tall, and weighed 320 lbs. The Undertaker retired after a lengthily career, that saw him win multiple world titles, at the 2020 Survivor Series. The deadman from death valley is currently 56 years old.

Kane

At 7 feet tall and weighing in at more than 300 pounds, Kane is a monstrous abomination that seems to have been extracted directly from your childhood nightmares. Kane had a wildly successful stay in WWE and was even the  WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion and ECW Champion on several occasions. He had memorable matches against The Undertaker, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Edge, and many others. Kane made his debut in 1997, at Badd Blood: In Your House on October 5th using a tombstone piledriver on the Undertaker. Costing him his match against Shawn Michaels. Kane’s wrestling career continued on until he finally retired in 2018. Although he still makes occasional appearances. Kane was born in 1957,and is 54 years old.

The Yeti

The Yeti’s comical stay in WCW was way to short, but memorable non the less. He debuted frozen in a block of ice on the October 23rd episode of Monday Nitro. Unfortunately, he thawed out right as Nitro was going off the air, so we didn’t get to see what exactly he did. This character is one of the most ridiculous, in pro wrestling history. Which really says something. His in ring debut happened at Halloween Havoc 1995. The Yeti interfered in the main event between Hulk Hogan and The Giant, which resulted in one of the most awkward moments in wrestling history.The Yeti had a billed height of 7 foot 4 and weighed 365 lbs.

King Kong Bundy

Often referred to as The Walking Condominium, King Kong Bundy was a sight to be seen. Bundy made his WWE debut in 1984 destroying opponents with his avalanche splash. Bundy’s reign of dominance was so strong, in the 80’s he demanded referees use a 5 count when pinning his opponents. In 1985 at the inaugural, Wrestlemania 1, Bundy pinned Special Delivery Jones in a mere 9 seconds. At Wrestlemania 2, Bundy challenged Hulk Hogan in the main event, losing a closely contested battle. King Kong Bundy stood 6 foot 4 and weighed 458 lbs. He retired from wrestling in 2007, and passed away in 2019 at the age of 64.

Kurrgan

Standing 6 foot 10 and weighing 330 lbs, Kurrgan was one of the most intimidating monsters in pro wrestling. Kurrgan was a heel known for applying the Iron Claw to his opponents and not breaking the hold until The Jackyl slapped him across the face. He began his career in 1997, and was a member of The Truth Commission, and later joined the Oddities. His wrestling career was very short lived, as he proved to be a far better actor, than he was rassler.

Giant Silva

After turning pro in late 1997, Silva signed with World Wrestling Federation. After debuting he was given the name: “Giant Silva” and was a member of the Oddities stable. For most of his WWF tenure, Silva was a cornerman for the Oddities and his matches on TV were tag matches, teaming up with Golga and/or Kurrgan. His only highlight was at Summerslam 1998 when he, Golga, and Kurrgan defeated Kai En Tai in a 3 on 4 Handicap match. Silva was released around February 1999. Giant Silva wrestled from 1998 to 2010 in many different promotions all around the world. He also had a Pro MMA career, fighting mostly in PrideFC. Giant Silva stood 7 foot 2 and weighed 385 lbs.